The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
SMALL-HOLDER farmers at Maunganidze Irrigation Scheme in Chipinge received a shot in the arm when the United Nations Population Services installed a 130kv solar plant to enhance their productivity which was being compromised by the obtaining power cuts.
Maunganidze is one of the largest irrigation schemes in Chipinge.
The irrigation scheme was also heavily affected by Cyclone Idai, which destroyed its pumps, perimeter fence and water canals.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government recently toured the irrigation scheme on a fact finding mission on the utilisation of the national disaster fund.
The 130kv solar plant will help draw water from Save River and boreholes to irrigate about 70 hectares of horticultural produce at the scheme.
The Maunganidze Irrigation Scheme chairperson, Mr Lovemore Muboko said the installation of the solar plant was a game-changer for the 90 small-holder farmers whose livelihoods are dependent on the scheme.
“We are going to jealously safeguard this solar plant. The irrigation scheme was being affected by the continued power cuts, but now we are happy that UNOPS intervened by installing this efficient solar plant.
“We have gone to the extent of installing a security camera around the plant in a bid t safeguard it. All plot holders here contributed money for the acquisition of the camera system because of the value they attach to the solar system.
“The system uses direct sunlight, which is good for us as we no longer grapple with both power cuts ad huge electricity bills,” he said.
Chipinge District Development Coordinator (DDC), Mr Willaim Mashava said Maunganidze Irrigation Scheme has been restored to its original status.
“Cyclone Idai affected this irrigation scheme, in the process dealing a fatal blow to the livelihoods of the community. They survive on production of cash crops which they sell along the highways.
“This has always been the source of their living, but when Cyclone Idai pounced, everything was destroyed and the community became vulnerable to the extent of surviving on food hand-outs.
“However, Maunganidze Irrigation Scheme has been rehabilitated and restored to its original standards.
“It is as good as it was in the yesteryears before Cyclone Idai hit,” said Mr Mashava.
He said the multi-stakeholder collaboration demonstrated at Maunganidze Irrigation Scheme is a key ingredient for sustainable development.
UNOPS, FAO, and WFP, among other UN agencies, have been involved in making Maunganidze Irrigation Scheme a huge success.
These efforts are also complementing Governments efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
Addressing stakeholders recently, the FAO Farm Manager, Mr Stanley Mazhambe said the UN agency undertakes soil analysis to improve production and productivity by the farmers.
“To ensure the recovery of farmers after Cyclone Idai, FAO provided inputs as a starter pack to bring them back into the field.
“We also provided technical support and trained farmers on environmental awareness campaigns. Some of the activities undertaken include reclaiming gullies and managing the water system.
“Farmers were also trained on the safe use of chemicals, and the proper management of fire in disposing of crop waste. We also have partnerships with agricultural extension services officers.
“Farmers should be able to produce enough for their own consumption and for sale,” Mr Mazhambe said.
